[Tuberculosis and acute respiratory insufficiency. Apropos of 2 cases]

We report two cases of death from acute respiratory insufficiency of tuberculous origin. There were rare clinical presentations in which the clinical and radiological aspects were particularly atypical, suggesting a diagnosis of an acute respiratory distress syndrome. Bacteriological confirmation is necessary but it is worth considering this aetiology with each case of unexplained respiratory distress because the mortality is high and the prognosis is related to how early drug therapy is given.